Nomination Information
An understanding and appreciation of society’s human diversity is an essential component of an
excellent education and a foundation for responsible citizenship. At the University of Northern
Iowa, we educate citizens and leaders who will influence our society in the future, and our
graduates take with them the knowledge and values they learn or refine while with us. Thus it
is our institutional priority to value, promote and teach about diversity.
Diversity describes the rich differences that people bring to the University of Northern Iowa
community. It can refer broadly to culture, identity and ideology, or more specifically to age,
gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, gender identity, socioeconomic
status, political affiliation, marital status, national origin, or veteran status. Diversity is a
dynamic concept, shaped by history, and changing as our understanding of the world and its
people evolves.
The Diversity Matters Award is presented annually in recognition of dedication and service to
the University of Northern Iowa in advancement of its diversity-related goals. Those eligible
include faculty, staff, students and community members. Recommendations for the award are
made to the President by the Diversity Council.
The award seeks to recognize individuals who have made substantial contributions to UNI’s
efforts to achieve these priorities:
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Educate all students to insure that they are prepared to live and work successfully in a
diverse world.
Enhance the diversity of the student body.
Enhance the diversity of the University’s workforce.
Maintain a welcoming and supportive environment for all.
Promote success for students, faculty and staff.
Institutionalize our planning and assure persistent attention to goals.
Allocate financial resources to align with our efforts.
Measure our progress and routinely report outcomes to the community.
Develop and maintain meaningful collaborative relationships with communities and
community organizations.
Enhance faculty and staff professional development on matters associated with
diversity.
Communicate publicly about our initiatives, and recognize contributions that are
exemplary.
Award Process
The Diversity Matters Award will be given annually to a select group of individuals and/or groups in
recognition of dedication and service to the University of Northern Iowa in advancement of its diversityrelated goals. The recipients will include students, faculty, or staff members who have consistently had
an active role in diversity and inclusion efforts and have helped create a campus climate which values
and respects members of diverse groups. In addition, an award may also be given annually to a
community group or individual in recognition of their contributions toward enhancing diversity at the
University of Northern Iowa.
Criteria: The recipient will have demonstrated a high regard for diversity by demonstrating one or more
of the following:
 Development of an exemplary curriculum that incorporates diversity values; making the
classroom experience conducive to diverse learning styles
 Mentoring and facilitating the progress of underrepresented students, faculty, and/or staff
 Outstanding commitment to the value of diversity
 Efforts to promote an environment free from bias and discrimination
 Exemplary contributions to the success of campus-based outreach efforts
 Outstanding leadership in areas of social and/or cultural understanding, local or regional
community involvement, and/or collaborations leading to increased knowledge or expertise in
areas of special interest to the campus
Selection factors will include, but will not be limited to, the relative impact of each nominee’s
contribution to the university’s diversity efforts; relative merit of contribution to a critical area of
diversity and/or community; length/duration of contribution; and potential of award to model
exemplary service.
Eligibility: All students, staff and faculty members are eligible. Individuals or groups may be nominated.
Nomination Process
Nominations may be made by students, staff, or faculty at any level. Self-nominations will be accepted.
Nomination forms are available at www.uni.edu/diversity and can be sent electronically to
diversity@uni.edu or dropped off at the Office of Compliance & Equity Management, 117 Gilchrist Hall.
Nominations will be made through the form plus the specified attachments. The Diversity Council will
review all nominations and make a recommendation of award recipients to the President. The President
will make the final determination.
Timeline
Nominations will be accepted through midnight Monday, January 5, 2015. Award recipients will be
announced at the 2015 Town Hall Meeting on Diversity, to be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. All
nominees will be notified and will receive a letter of congratulations from President Ruud.
Diversity Matters Award
2014-2015 Nomination Form
NOMINEE:
Name: _______________________________________________________________________________
Job Title/Student Rank: ___________________________ College/Dept/Office: ____________________
Campus Address:_______________________________________________________________________
E-Mail Address: __________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________
NOMINATOR:
Name: _______________________________________________________________________________
Title: _______________________________________ College/Dept/Office: _______________________
Campus Address: ______________________________________________________________________
E-Mail Address:_______________________________ Telephone: _______________________________
Please attach a typed summary explaining how the nominee has demonstrated a significant
commitment to enhancing diversity above and beyond his/her role or responsibilities, using the
following as a guide:
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Description of accomplishments, leadership, and service in support of diversity enhancement at
the University of Northern Iowa
Description of achievement in creating a supportive environment
Description of achievement in recruiting and retaining diverse groups of students, faculty, and
staff
Letters of support may also be included with the nomination. Please limit the total number of pages in
the nomination packet to six, including this form. Nominations may be hand-delivered, e-mailed,
faxed, or submitted electronically. Completed nominations must be received by midnight Monday,
January 5, 2015.
Office of Compliance and Equity Management, Gilchrist Hall 117
Fax: 273:7045
diversity@uni.edu
www.uni.edu/diversity